Carnegie Mellon University

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A. - Professional Writing; MLitt - Investigative Journalism

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The MA in Professional Writing draws on the expertise of our nationally-recognized faculty in Rhetoric, Visual Design, and Linguistics and a long tradition of excellence in technical and professional communication. The program retains a solid foundation in writing, editing, and document design but strategically combines these areas with studies in visual and verbal design for both print and digital media. The goal is to prepare students for flexible careers as writers, communications specialists, and information designers who can create and execute complex information strategies involving both visual and verbal elements in media ranging from print to on-line to multi media. We also work to develop students' analytic and problem-solving skills so that they are prepared to not only meet today's challenges but also to advance and adapt as new communication media and processes emerge. Through a combination of core and elective courses, students can customize the degree to meet a broad range of career goals. Available areas of concentration include writing & design for new media, technical writing, journalism, public & media relations, editing & publishing, science/healthcare writing, writing for nonprofits, and a new degree option in investigative journalism. And while the program works well for students who have a clear career path in mind, its broad and flexible curriculum also serves those who with a more general communications focus. Courses, always taught in small sections, promote strong analysis and problem-solving skills, emphasize a research-based understanding of communication, and foster intellectual exploration and flexibility. They also provide ample opportunities to build a portfolio of professional-quality samples and to work on client and group projects that develop a range of professional skills.

Accreditation:

Middle States

Eligibility Requirements:

3 recommendation letters with at least 2 from academic sources; resume; statement of intent; transcripts; writing samples

# of Credits Required:

37

International Student Requirements:

Same as for US students with the addition of the TOEFL and fluency in English

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

$1494 USD

Tuition In-State Full Time:

34850 USD

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 10,000 - 19,999